Professional Partners of the Month: March 2009
Deb Hamilton and Jessica Moon
"Deb Hamilton and Jessica Moon are two absolutely amazing women. They bring so much to the table in improving the mental health of local youth. I've learned so much from them!"
- John Leete, Potter County Judge
"Deb and Jessica do a wonderful job working with the students from across Potter County. I think that sometimes we overlook the struggles and issues that are present in some of our more rural communities. They both do an excellent job at helping students detect these issues, and find student-oriented and student-directed ways to tackle them."
- Jeremy Fegert, Program Director, The Second Mile
"Both Deb and Jess have demonstrated a dedication to the interests of the youth in this area that goes beyond providing services. Their activities are always driven by the students and families they serve, regardless of the extra time, energy and/or effort that are involved."
- John Michalowski, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Dickinson Mental Health Center
Jessica Moon and Deborah Hamilton are currently employed through Dickinson Mental Health Center in Potter County-- Jessica as an Outpatient Therapist and Deborah as a Bullying Prevention Coordinator. Both women are involved in Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Programming in Potter County, and do other work to support youth and families. Because of their inspirational work and dedication to improving the lives of children, youth, and their families, The Second Mile is proud to recognize them as March's Professional Partners of the Month.
Ms. Hamilton says the most important part of her job is educating youth on how to take care of themselves mentally, as well as how to be a good friend. Taking care of oneself is also advice that she takes to heart, given the challenges of her job:
| | "There are some weeks where you feel like nothing is going right. It could be due to the fact that there was a youth death or suicide or simply that everyone is feeling down and out. On those days it is important to push through and keep doing what you are doing. When kids come to you and say that they like what is happening in regard to suicide prevention and bullying prevention, that makes you feel like you are making a difference." |
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This positive feedback that helps keep Hamilton and Moon motivated comes not only from the kids, but also from their colleagues.
John Michalowski, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker also employed by Dickinson Mental Health Center, says that "their dedication, energy and interest in what they are doing for the youth of Potter County is at times inspirational." He adds that they draw a great deal of satisfaction in ‘giving back' to the communities in which they themselves were raised, and that they both possess keen insights into needs of area children and families - and their work reflects this. John Leete, a Potter County judge who collaborates with Dickinson, reports that Moon and Hamilton's philosophy focuses around a hands-on approach, including communicating directly with youth. Their love of children motivates them, and they put in large quantities of time with the kids, facilitating their ability to communicate so effectively and in their own, unique way.
Their profession is not without its pitfalls and challenges. As both Deb and Jessica do a great deal of work with suicide prevention, they find it frustrating and extremely heart-wrenching that despite their efforts, young people continue to commit suicide each year both in Potter County and around the world. Their work involves talking about and promoting positive mental health behaviors and strategies, and yet they oftentimes run into the stigma associated with this field. It is a constant battle that requires tireless soldiers such as Ms. Hamilton and Ms. Moon to continue on in their efforts.
Furthermore, these women are working in a rural county with unique challenges related to distance, transportation, and poverty. They are not employees of any school district, yet they have used their grit, creativity, and persuasiveness to cobble together a team of high school sophomores representing three different districts to attend The Second Mile's Leadership Institute, held in early April in State College. Their perseverance and ability to engage students in a multitude of ways, while garnering various resources, have helped make them successful in connecting with kids, and in introducing these youth to community service, teambuilding, and other positives.
When not working to help the County, both women can be found trying to develop themselves professionally, or spending time with loved ones. Jessica is currently a student at the University of Pittsburgh, where she is studying to earn a Master's degree in Social Work. She enjoys her family, vacationing at the beach, taking her dogs for a walk, reading, and working in her garden. Jessica also spends a great deal of time interning with the Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program. When asked for her favorite quotation, she offered one that reflects her persona of hope and optimism: "Never fear shadows - it simply means there is a light shining off in the distance."
Like Jessica, Deb is also working on an advanced degree - a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Walden University. She is a new mom and enjoys spending time with her family, taking trips, going to school, and hiking. Deb's favorite quotation also informs one about her attitude and the kind of empathetic professional she is: "Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."
When asked for one word that sums up these two ladies' efforts in their field, John Michalowski offered "persistence." He elaborated, stating that they absolutely have a knack for applying pressure – and not always subtle pressure – on anyone who can help them get an activity, program, or event off the ground that they feel is worthwhile for area children and families. For their marvelous "persistence" as a force for good in Potter County, Deborah Hamilton and Jessica Moon are The Second Mile's Professional Partners of the Month for March!
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